African and African Diaspora Studies, BA BA
African and African Diaspora Studies examines cultures, societies and political economies of peoples of African origin and descent. This includes not just peoples of the African continent but everyone with African roots around the globe, often referred to as the African diaspora. The study of African and African Diaspora Studies is relevant to everyone, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality or religion. You will find value in the program if you are interested in working within the U.S. or internationally in health services, education, journalism, social work, politics, law, business, the non-profit sector, trade, the arts and government agencies.
Through coursework in history, literature, political science, economics, and more, students will examine a variety of issues and themes through an African-centric lens. Along the way, they will be honing their skills in communication, information analysis, and research - all skills cited by employers as critically important in their hiring process.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the African and African Diaspora major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
African and African Diaspora Studies Major Requirements
All majors must be accepted by the department, and their programs must be arranged with a departmental advisor. To be retained as majors, students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in African and African Diaspora courses attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA in all major courses attempted, including any transfer work. A total of 30 credits is required to complete the major; 15 credits at the 300 level or above must be taken in residence at UWM.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| African and African Diaspora Studies Requirements | ||
| AFRIC 215 | Introduction to Black Social and Cultural Traditions | 3 |
| AFRIC 220 | Introduction to Statistics in African and African Diaspora Studies 1 | 3 |
| AFRIC 228 | Introduction to Black Political Economy | 3 |
| AFRIC 301 | Research Methods in African & African Diaspora Studies 2 | 3 |
| Select 18 elective credits in African and African Diaspora Studies. At least 12 credits must be at the 300-level or higher. One course must fulfill the Research Requirement (see below). No more than 6 credits may be at the 100-level. 3 | 18 | |
| Courses that fulfill the Research Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Urban Violence | ||
| African American Urban History | ||
| Black Cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
| Black Workers in the 21st Century | ||
| Economic Problems of Black Business | ||
| Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa | ||
| Black Politics and City Government | ||
| Global Black Social Movements | ||
| Extended Families in Black Societies | ||
| African-American Literary Movements: The Harlem Renaissance | ||
| The Black Woman in America, Africa, and the Caribbean | ||
| Race, Class, and Gender in Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
| Independent Study 4 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
With departmental approval, the statistics requirement may be satisfied with another statistics course.
- 2
With departmental approval, the research methods requirement may be satisfied with another methods course.
- 3
AFRIC 100 is highly recommended. Though not required, 100-level courses prepare students for higher-level African and African Diaspora courses. No more than 6 credits of 100-level courses can count toward the major.
- 4
With departmental approval, students can complete 3 credits in AFRIC 699 that involves completion of a research experience designed according to departmental standards.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.